Dispensing tube



June 17, 1930. MacDQNALD 1,765,281

DISPENSING TUBE Filed March 14, 1928 Patented June 17, 1930 PATENTOFFICE FREDERICK 1'1. MACDONALD, OF WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS DISPENSINGTUBE Application filed March 14, 1928. Serial No. 261,633.

This invention relates to dispensing tubes and has as its object theprovision of improved dispensing means for the container the contents ofwhich are to be discharged 5 by means of pressure applied thereto, as inthe case of the widely used collapsible tubes from which materials suchas tooth-paste, shaving cream, paste, etc. are commonly dispensed. -T heconditions under which such containers are called upon to make deliveryof their contents render it desirable to provide a dispensing meanswhich can be opened and closed with a minimum of effort and delay. Tothese ends the invention provides a closure device for the tube ofsimple design adapted to be opened by the pressure of the contents whenthe tube is collapsed, and to close automatically when the pressure isrelieved.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanyingdrawing, in which:

Figure l is an elevation of a portion of a collapsible tube, showing theimproved closure-device in place upon the neck of the tube, and partlybroken away;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same, shown partly in section on line 2-2of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 3 is a view, in horizontal section on line 33 of Fig. 1, looking inthe direction of the arrows.

The dispensing tube with which the improved closure means is showncombinedis ofthe familiar type comprising the usual tubular container orbody 1 of collapsible material such as thin soft metal which is providedwith a neck 2 of rigid construction designed to deliver a fractionalportion of the contents for localized application to a brush or the likespreading device. For the purposes of the invention this neck 2 is ofsmoothcylindrical exterior, is closed at its outer end by an end-wall 3,and is provided with an opening 4 of any desired shape formed in itscylindrical surface.

Over this cylindrical neck 2 fits a cap 5 having an interior shaped toconform to the neck 2. This cap fits upon the neck tightly enough toprevent accidental relative rotation thereon, or detachment therefrom,but still has capacity for being turned by the user when desired.

The cap is formed of suitable resilient material, which preferably alsois yielding,- and in my experience rubber of the proper consistencyhasbeen found to answer the requirementsv most satisfactorily. In thecylindrical surface of the cap there is cut a slit 6, at the properpoint in the height of the cap, to, be brought-into register with thehole 4 in the side of the neck when the cap is in operating positionupon the neck. The slit may be of any desired shape, but preferably isso made as to free a portion of the cap material of more or lessdefinite tonguelike shape, depending on the stiffness of the materialtherein the slit shown is of arcuate shape, suitable for a cap of fairlyfirm rubber.

The slit 6 made in the resilient cap material forms a self-opening andself-closing seal. When placed in register with the hole 4 of the neck,as shown in the drawings, squeezing of the tube by the users hand willcause the tube contents to pass out through the hole 4. and issue fromthe slit 6, spreading apart the edges thereof to effect a passage. Assoon as the pressure created by the I squeezing is relieved, theresiliency of the cap material asserts itself to return the edges of theslit to their normal position in close" proximity to each other, and theslit closes,

stopping the emission of the tubes contents V and sealing the opening 4.

It is important that the slit 6 shall extend across the cylindricalsurface of the capv 5 or transversely to its axis in order that thestretching or radial expansion of the cap material, incident to aclosefit upon the neck 2, shall tend to draw the edges of the slittoward each other. Preferably this slit is formed by the downwardincision of a knife held with its cutting edge across the axis of thecap and with the plane of its blade oblique thereto. A out like thatillustrated, extendingup and down the cap 5, would tend continually togape open under the stretching strain on they cap material when the capis in position upon the neck 2.

The sharping of the slit 6 as shown, to provide a tongue-like closuremargin at one side of the slit, has an important bearing in providingclosure means for tubes of shavmg cream and the like oily preparations.Freeing a tongue-like portion provides an area adjacent the slit inwhich the cap material hugs the neck with considerably less pressurethan elsewhere. Thus the tube contents, when subjected to pressure, seekthis low-pressure spot beneath the tongue, and easily lift the tongue tomake their exit, with little or no tendency to spread laterally betweenthe cap and the neck. Such spreadingwould act as a lubricant, destroyingthe caps grip on the neck and cause possible loss of the cap from oilthe neck..

The closure effected automatically by the resilient sides of the slit 6is entirely adequate under the ordinary conditions of use.

Where the tube is apt to be subjected to pressure at times when it isnot desired to have it dispense its contents, as for instance whenpacked with other articles for transportation, the cap is intended to berotated relative to the neck to move the slit out of register with thehole in the neck, in which relation the tube is effectually sealedagainst escape of its contents even When subjected to pressure. In thisconnection, the cap 5 is preferably provided with a flange or head 7having a frictional exterior to facilitate easy gripping by the fingersin turning the cap relative to the neck.

The nature and scope of the invention having been indicated and itspreferred embodiment having been specifically described,

what is claimed as new, is

1. A dispensing tube comprising a container having a tubular rigid neckprovided with an outlet, a tubular elastic closure device revolublymounted upon the exterior of said neck and having a discharge-slit theedges of which automatically close together, said closure device beingstretched on the neck to thereby have a frictional fit-thereon to thushold the tubular closure device after it is adjusted to the. pointsdesired on the neck, said slit being so located that in one position ofangular adjustment of the closure device it will register with saidoutlet to permit discharge of the container contents through the outletand slit, and in another adjustment of the closure device it will be outof register with said outlet whereby the unslitted portion of theclosure device seals the outlet. z

2. A dispensingtube comprising a container having a tubular rigid neckprovided with an outlet, atubular elastic closure device revolublymountedupon the exterior of said neck and having a transversedischarge-slit, said closure devlce being stretched on the neck tothereby have a frictional fit thereon to thus hold the tubular closuredevice in position after it is adjusted to the point desired on the neckand also a

